20 September 2017
Electrum (gold-silver alloy) coin, late 7th - early 6th century BC
(Top) 5th century BC; (bottom) 2nd century BC
Overstriking can tell us the relative chronology of coin issues (and thus rulers, states, etc)
Emperor Justinian I, minted in Constantinople, 539 AD.
(top left) early gold coin of Caliph 'Abd al-Malik (680s AD); (top right) new solidus of Justinian II (c. 695); (bottom left) later gold coin of Caliph 'Abd al-Malik (697 AD); (bottom right) silver miliarision of Constantine IV & Leo III (730s AD)
The coinage of this paper-money is authenticated with as much form and ceremony as if it were actually of pure gold or silver. To each note, a numbher of officers, specially apointed, not only subscribe their nemes, but affix their signets also […] by which it receives full authenticity as current money, and the act of counterfiting it is punished as a capital offence. […] This paper-currency is circulated in very part of his majesty's domains, nor dares any person, at the peril of his life, refuse to accept it in payment. All his subjects receive it without hesitation, because, wherever their business may call then, they can dispose of it again in the purchase of merchandise they may have occasion for. […] With it, in short, every article may be procured.
Marco Polo, Travels, translated by William Marsden
A lot, according to Monty Python in the Life of Brian (1979)
Instead of issuing a decree or acclaiming him with shouts [the senate] chose Valerius Messala to speak for them all when Augustus entered the House. Messala's words were: "Caesar Augustus, I am instructed to wish you and your family good fortune and divine blessings; which amounts to wishing that our entire city will be fortunate and our country prosperous. The Senate agree with the People of Rome in saluting you as the Father of your country." With tears in his eyes, Augustus answered - again I quote his exact words: "Fathers of the Senate, I have at last achieved my highest ambitions. What more can I ask of the immortal gods than that they may permit me to enjoy your approval until my dying day."
Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, 58, tr. Graves
Now all the Greek cities rise up under your leadership, and the monuments which are dedicated in them and all their establishments and comforts redound to your honor like beautiful suburbs. The coasts and interiors have been filled with cities, some newly founded, others increased under and by you. … As on holiday, the whole civilized world lays down the arms which were its ancient burden, and has turned to adornment and all glad thoughts - with power to realize them. All the other rivalries have left our cities, and this one contention holds them all, how each city may appear more beautiful and attractive. … Thus it is right to pity only those outside your hegemony - if indeed there are any - because they lose your blessings.
Aelius Aristides (c. 117-181 AD), Orations, 26.94
The Augustaeum (temple to the emperors) in Aphrodisias, Modern Turkey
Consider then whether on your return you will exact obeisance from the Greeks, the freest of men, or will you make an exception for the Greeks but inflict this indignity on the Macedonians? Or will you draw a distinction in the matter of honors generally, receiving from Macedonians and Greeks honors fit for men and acceptable to Greeks, and foreign honors only from non-Greeks? … These and similar words of Callisthenes greatly irritated Alexander, though the Macedonians were pleased to hear them. Alexander realized this and sent instructions to the Macedonians to forget about obeisance for the future.
Adapted from Arrian, Anabasis, 4.11.8-12.1, tr. Austin
"Vae, puto deus fio." ("Oh dear, I think I'm becoming a god")
Attributed to Emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD), Suetonius, Life of Vespasian, 23.4